John M. Swanson, age 83 of Stafford, New York died on Thursday November 23, 2023 in Rochester, New York after a lengthy illness.
John was born in Lowell, Massachusetts to Buelah (Kimball) Swanson and Paul F. Swanson. He graduated from Concord High School, Stockbridge Agricultural School, The University of Massachusetts, and The University of New Hampshire with a degree in Genetics. John was employed by the Cobb Research Corporation in Littleton, Massachusetts. He traveled to over 27 countries as a poultry geneticist creating breeding programs for impoverished nations helping them with their production of food. John most enjoyed his two year residency in England with his family while continuing his research for the Cobb Corporation.
After John’s retirement, he managed the development of Tall Pines in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Along with his partner and friend Bill Costello, he was instrumental in the design and creation of the Curve Street area of Carlisle.
Upon moving to Sandra’s home town of Stafford, New York, he returned to his roots in agriculture and created a true homestead full of poultry and beautiful gardens abounding. He was most at home on a tractor, gator and equipment improving his property. He loved traveling with Sandra to Florida, Cape Cod and Europe. He was interested in art, literature, music and all things beautiful. John was very connected with the book Tuesdays with Morrie. He loved philosophy and had a thirst for knowledge. John was a life long learner.
John supported Sandras’s advocacy related to energy production in the town of Stafford. With John’s immeasurable assistance and encouragement to maintain the authenticity of agricultural land in the town, laws were passed to protect the soil of the community and integrity of the land
John will always be remembered for this amazing grilling on the deck, icecream sundae buffets and his creation of wonderful parties for family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Buelah and Paul Swanson, brother Paul Kimball Swanson and his sister Linnea Swanson Van Winkle.
John is survived by his loving wife Sandra Fuller Swanson of Stafford, New York; his daughter Susan (James) Ferguson of Maynard, Massachusetts; his son Peter (Charlene) Swanson of Glouster, Massachusetts and two grandsons.
An 11am Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 2, 2023 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stafford, New York with a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stafford Fire Department, Rescue Squad 6153 Main Road Stafford, New York 14143.
Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements for John were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.
